DR. RONALD S KLINE, M.D.
Osteopathic Medicine at Mayfield Rd, Arlington, TX

5279566, Jan 18, 1994

Dec 23, 1992

7/995838

Frank E. Kline - Houston TX
Ronald S. Kline - Arlington TX

A61M 500

604110

A hypodermic syringe apparatus characterized by having an after-use condition which fosters safe handling--by virtue of the fact that the needle-part of the apparatus can be easily enshrouded in a protective member that is at least semi-rigid. A syringe has an elongated barrel with a generally cylindrical shape and a smooth longitudinal bore that is sized to receive a plunger; the barrel's outer surface is not circular. A protective shroud that is at least semi-rigid surrounds the barrel. The shroud has a length that is about the same as that of the barrel, and it has an internal shape that closely complements the external shape of the barrel. The shroud is designed to move with respect to the barrel only in a direction that is parallel to the barrel's longitudinal axis. The shroud has two principal positions: 1) a retracted position at which it is substantially coextensive with the barrel, and 2) a forward position at which it protrudes in front of the barrel for a distance that is sufficient to envelope a needle that is protruding from the forward end of the barrel. A resilient member is carried on the barrel and is biased to automatically engage the shroud when it has been moved to its forward position, so as to securely hold the shroud in a forward and needle-protecting position.